Man Who Killed Friend While Playing with Gun Pleads Guilty

Dhezon D. Gray, 21, of Covington, entered his plea in Kenton County Circuit Court on Thursday.

An investigation by Covington Police found that Gray was smoking dope and listening to music on June 18 with two others when he began to play with a handgun. Gray admitted to loading a round into the chamber of the gun and then continuing to wave it around.

The gun fired and a bullet struck Zachary Pouncy, 20, in the chest, killing him.

Kenton County Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders said in a statement that there was no evidence that Gray intentionally shot Pouncy.

"This was a very sad example of what should be obvious," said Sanders. "Guns and drugs don't mix."

Sanders said the defendant and the deceased were friends. "Everyone spoke highly of both young men, but when you do something stupid and kill someone, there must be accountability," he said. "It's just a shame that smoking dope cost one man his freedom, and the other man, his life."

Sanders recommended a 5-year prison sentence for Gray, who will appear for sentencing on October 30.